5 Day Trips from Jeddah: Get More from Your Saudi Holiday
Jeddah is a vibrant and a decidedly modern city that has loving preserved its culture. It makes for a fascinating holiday destination that will leave you mesmerised with its wonders. But a city is, after all, a city, and all cities wear a veneer of progress and modernisation that hides their true souls. Although Jeddah remains close to its cultural identity, you must venture further.
Get out of any modern city and you begin to uncover its true essence. Likewise, you must venture out of the cosy confines of Jeddah to discover Saudi’s soul in its mountains and the desert. A day trip from Jeddah can be a treasure trove of new discoveries and novel experiences. Here are five day trips from Jeddah to get more from your Saudi holiday
1. Historical Ruins of Al Uqair
Head out on the Jeddah-Dammam highway until you reach the village of Judah, around 265 kilometres after Riyad. It is a well-known landmark that marks the turn for the historical ruins of Al Uqair. Here, a 19th century colonial fort still stands guard over what acted as the gateway for traders from all over Arabia. It takes you back in time when the area was flourishing with trade almost 200 years ago. Locals also believe that this is the very spot where the ancient city of Gerrha once stood. The ruins at Al Uqair are steeped in history and wear a cloak of mystery as old as time itself. A mystery that is worth exploring for its tenacity and the will to survive amidst the challenging desert and extreme weather conditions.
2. Hot Springs at Al Lit
The home of hot springs in Saudi is a short trip of round 250 kilometres from Jeddah. Nestled in a lush valley near the town of Al Lith, the hot springs form a meandering network of multiple streams. The waters here are said to possess medicinal properties, which draw locals and visitors from far and near. But the real magic of the springs is the tranquillity that rules here. The network of springs makes the valley a green and thriving ecosystem that is teeming with life. Take a moment to step back and listen to the soothing music of nature. The springs are too hot to bathe in. But their verdant beauty, framed by chestnut-coloured mountains in the distance, will enchant you and refresh your mind, body, and soul.
3. Arabian Gazelles on Farasan Islands
This exciting road trip takes you over water. The Farasan Islands stand as a waypoint between Asia and Africa in the middle of the Red Sea. It is one of the last places on earth where the Arabian Gazelle survives in the wild. The teeming, beautiful Farasan Islands are a ferry ride from Jizan Port. Marvel at its pristine marshlands, white sandy beaches, and sleepy villages as you search for the elusive gazelles. But the gazelles are not the islands’ only claim to fame. It has a diverse hoard of flora and fauna which cannot be found on the mainland. The tranquillity that exists here is evocative of an alien landscape, a feeling that is enhanced by the archipelago’s relative isolation. Don’t miss visiting here when you’re in Jeddah.
4. Luxury Roses of Taif
Roses are nature’s purest representation of beauty with substance. The city of Taif sits at an altitude of 1900 metres and enjoys its own distinctive weather from the rest of Saudi. Perched high in the Hijaz Mountains, Taif is a prosperous agricultural area that is known for its grapes, pomegranates, and figs. But the thing that affords it its fame are its roses. The pink, delicate roses of Taif are in great demand in Saudi’s thriving perfume industry. Between March and April, the crisp mountain air is redolent with the sweet fragrance of freshly harvested roses as they make the journey from field to perfume bottles. Take a tour of the city’s oldest rose factory to watch the entire process of extracting the essence of the roses, using traditional methods.
5. Nature’s Magic at Al Baha
Make Al Baha your next stop as you continue your road trip through the Hijaz Mountains. Sitting higher than Taif at 2500 metres, Al Baha is an awesome place to enjoy a picnic in the mountains. It has history and a bustling souq that teems with energy. The ancient Ghamid and Zahran tribes gave this area its unique cultural identity, which still stands in the form of 1001 stone qasbah lookout towers that can only be found here. Al Baha is surrounded by 40 forests where nature has lavished her beauty and bounty. Visit the 400-year-old village of Dhee Ayn, which is still inhabited and stroll amidst history. Witness nature’s magic at Khairah Forest Park, Ragadhan Forest, and the Al Malad Dam which are popular camping spots around Al Baha.
A day trip from Jeddah will give you a break from its slick sightseeing experience. Do not miss this chance to grab a peek at the real soul of Saudi.
